Lisa Murkowski supports repeal of DADT

[DemocratSinceBirth]

GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski has decided to support repeal of don't ask don't tell, her spokesman tells me, potentially adding another crucial GOP vote to the Yes column and putting 60 votes within reach.

"Her vote will depend on how free and open the amendment process is, but she has reached the decision that don't ask don't tell ought to be repealed, provided that proper preparations are implemented," Murkowski spokesman Michael Brumas tells me.

With the Senate set to vote tonight on DADT repeal, this statement does not guarantee that she will vote Yes. Murkowski has given herself some wiggle room here by insisting on a "free and open" amendment process.

But this is nonetheless a step foward. Murkowski had previously been hedging on whether she supports repeal; now she does. What's more, Murkowski is saying nothing about the failure to resolve the tax deal leading her to vote No.

Also, it seems likely that if Susan Collins, the lead negotiator for GOP moderates in talks with the Dem Senate leadership, pronounces herself satisfied with the procedural offer Reid makes, Murkowski, too, could accept it.

Reid has offered Collins 15 amendments -- 10 for Republicans, five for Dems. I'm told talks are ongoing, and the offer could grow more generous. If Collins does ultimately accept, you could conceivably see more moderates than you might expect vote Yes tonight.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/12/lisa_murkowski_supports_repeal.html

I haven't been so happy since Lawrence V Texas.

Beautiful...

[MindandSoul]

1. That's encouraging!

[ashling]

2. GOP obfuscation

"Her vote will depend on how free and open the amendment process is, but she has reached the decision that don't ask don't tell ought to be repealed, provided that proper preparations are implemented," Murkowski spokesman Michael Brumas tells me."

[Viking12]

10. That means her vote depends on how many earmarks she can insert...

[Tx4obama]

3. Here's a link to a list of the 'yes' and 'no' votes/leanings so far...

List of probable 'yes' and 'no' votes --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=9725792&mesg_id=9725973

p.s Btw, the news regarding Murkowski is old - she told a local news station around November 18th that she wouldn't block the repeal awhile back. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4620801

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. Blanche Lincoln Can Vote Her Conscience Because She Has Nothing To Lose

If Mark Pryor votes to repeal I'm proud of him...

[Tx4obama]

6. Pryor is now a 'YES' - see links below

http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2010/12/08/pryor-dadt-2
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2010/12/mark-pryor-gays-in-military-/1

[brooklynite]

5. The issue is unfortunately -NOT- "support for repeal"...

...there are clearly the votes (and probably 60+) in favor.

The issue is how many of the supporters will conversely NOT vote for cloture, either on procedural grounds, or because they don't want to take on the Senate Republican leadership or the Tea Party activists.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

7. I Realize You Need Sixty To Get To A Vote

There's some evidence we have that.

[Tx4obama]

8. Lieberman says he has more than 60 for cloture. n/t

[JI7]

9. good for her, i know she is still very conservative, but seems like she is deciding

based on what Alaska or she wants rather than party leaders. and she owes them nothing. she was able to win with the party opposing her through write in votes.

shame on Susan Collins and John Mccain

[Tx4obama]

11. UPDATE on link below

Lieberman To Reid On DADT: Back Off, I Got This
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/lieberman-to-reid-on-dadt-back-off-i-got-this.php?ref=fpb

[Divine Discontent]

12. looking good!

[Tx4obama]

13. Murkowski's statement below

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she'll vote to repeal the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy that bars openly gay service members from the military. Democrats need her support and that of other Republicans to get the 60 votes they need to take up a defense re-authorization bill that will include the repeal. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, also will support the repeal.

"We expect all who serve to serve with integrity, but under current law gay and lesbian service members may speak about their sexual orientation only at the risk of being discharged from performing the duties they have trained hard to carry out," she said. "America is the loser when it denies those who are willing to make the great sacrifices demanded of our men and women in uniform the opportunity do so on grounds of sexual orientation."

However, Murkowski's support of the repeal is conditional. She won't vote for the bill unless Democrats grant Republicans the opportunity to submit and debate amendments.

Read more: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/154719#ixzz17YqIzx5G

[Blue_In_AK]

14. I tried to call her office this morning,

but her mailbox was full. I imagine she was getting a lot of calls about this.